Nourishing Bodily Tissues

3 Doshas

Rasayanas (literally, "that which enters the essence") are intended to negate old age and disease by entering into and strengthening bodily tissues at the most subtle level. Rasayanas are designed to preserve health and promote longevity in healthy people. They enhance Ojas, the most refined product of digestion, which is the subtle source of the body's strength and immunity. There is no equivalent in western medicine.

For full benefit, Rasayanas are to be taken regularly for long periods of time. They are stopped temporarily during seasonal detoxification, menstruation and pregnancy.

Many highly prized Ayurvedic herbs have Rasayana properties even though they are also used to treat imbalances. In order to receive full value from Rasayanas, imbalances should generally be corrected before beginning Rasayana therapy. This is particularly important when Ama or indigestion is a problem.

Sattvic behaviors also have a Rasayana effect on the physiology. See The Three Gunas for more information.

The following Rasayanas are available from Maharishi Ayurvedic Products (MAPI.com). If you order herbs or personal care products from MAPI using these links or the checkout code AYURVEDACONSULTATIONS, I will receive a 20% commission. You will receive a 20% discount on many products, but not Amrit. If you order products from Banyan Botanicals using such links, I will receive a 15% commission. You can get a one-time 15% discount by using this code: QATOQI15. In either case, the commissions don't affect the price you pay.

First Choice: Maharishi Amrit Kalash

In the early 1980s, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi convened the most renown Ayurvedic experts to re-vitalize the knowledge of Ayurveda, including the exacting methods for harvesting and preparing herbs for ancient formulas. In the Vedic tradition, Amrit was the nectar of the gods which conferred immortality. Maharishi Amrit Kalash is a super Rasayana that brings together the best of best in proper combination. Amrit comes in two mutually synergistic formulations: Ambrosia tablets and Nectar paste. Ideally, they are both taken. The herbs in the Nectar paste are mixed with sugar, honey and ghee, which act as a "vehicle" to enhance their bioavailability and simultaneously provide additional nourishment. If you are obese or suffer from Diabetes, Amrit Nectar tablets would be a better choice.

MAPI has offered a $10 price break on the Amrit Ambrosia/Nectar paste combo marketed as the VITALITY SYNERGISTIC DAILY DUO and the sugar-free Ambrosia/Nectar tablet alternative VITALITY SYNERGISTIC DAILY DUO SUGAR FREE, but they have also offered the single products at big discounts from time to time.

While the total monthly cost may still be prohibitive for some, there is substantial benefit in taking them even once a day. If you opt for once-a-day therapy, I recommend that you take the Ambrosia tablet in the morning on an empty stomach (before meditation) and let it dissolve in your mouth. In that case, take 1 rounded tsp. (10 gm) of the Nectar paste (or 1 Nectar tablet) at bedtime accompanied by a little warm water or boiled milk. For maximum benefit, take an additional dose of the Nectar paste before breakfast right from the spoon and another Ambrosia tablet about 4 PM or before your evening meditation.

Alternatives to Amrit Kalash

The following Rasayanas could be taken instead of Maharishi Amrit Kalash and would not ordinarily be combined with it.

Shakti Prana

Shakti Prana was developed by Vasant Lad. Like it's name suggests, it's an energizing Rasayana with peppery notes. It features date sugar, honey and ghee as the vechicle to promote absorption of the herbs. This makes it similar to Amrit nectar paste, but this is thick and relatively dry in consistency and doesn't taste as sweet. Take 1 tsp in the morning on an empty stomach, after meditation. If you want to take it with Amrit nectar paste, take the Amrit once a day at bedtime.

Rejuvenation for Men or Women

These Rasayanas are specifically formulated to improve energy and vitality for men and women respectively.

Vital Man and Lady

These Rasayanas might be taken by men and women respectively as preparation for having children. Take 1 tablet of Vital Man in the morning with warm water or boiled milk. Take 2 tablets at bedtime, preferrably with boiled milk. Take 1 tablet of Vital Lady about 8 AM and 4 PM with warm water of boiled milk

Men's Support and Women's Support tablets from Banyan provide a comparable alternative. Take 1-2 tablets about 8 AM and 4 PM. Men's Support enhances vitality, sexual function, and prostate health. Women's Support helps with vitality, hormonal balance, and menstrual function.

Chyawanprash

This ancient formula was created by an elderly Ṛishi who took a young wife and wanted to improve his vitality and youthfulness in order to bear progeny. It is especially useful to strengthen the body and immune system in winter or to nourish the lungs. Take 1 rounded tsp. (10 gm) twice a day with warm water or boiled milk. Alternatively, it can be spread on flatbread or toast. It is available from other vendors including Banyan.

Supplemental Rasayanas

These Rasayanas may be taken in combination with Maharishi Amrit Kalash or its alternatives. One might chose to do this if focused on specific health goals.

Triphala Rose

Triphala Rose is a classic Ayurvedic formulation for balancing the Doshas and supporting good digestion and elimination. It is of particular value in those who are prone to Vata or Pitta related digestive disturbances. Triphala Rose is Triphala (three fruits) supplemented with Cabbage Rose. It gives an extra boost for Pitta balance. Triphala Rose is compatible with Maharishi Amrit Kalash Nectar. The usual dose is 1-2 tablets (1-2 gm) at bedtime with warm water.

Classic organic triphala is available from Organic India and Banyan. Banyan also offers bulk packaging. The bulk Triphala powder is the most cost-effective option for those who need a larger dose to maintain regularity, but it tastes awful. It should be mixed in 1/4 cup of warm water rather than hot milk. Follow with milk if desired after 30 minutes. One teaspoon equals 4 gm.

Youthful Mind or Intelligence Plus

These Rasayanas specifically nourish the brain. Youthful Mind would be best for anyone who is keen to prevent age-related cognitive decline. Intelligence Plus would be a good choice for students or knowledge workers who want to stay sharp and focused. Mental Clarity tablets are a comparable product from Banyan. Take 1-2 tablets of your product of choice twice a day, about 8 AM and 4 PM.